OpenRouter Alternatives: Cheaper LLM API Gateways That Support Alipay and China Direct Access

OpenRouter is the default for a reason

One API key, hundreds of models, pay-as-you-go, no per-model signup. OpenRouter solved a real problem: you don't want to integrate ten different LLM providers separately. But if you're based in China, two things get annoying — paying in USD and the latency to US endpoints.

What Chinese developers actually need

You want the same unified API experience, but with three differences: RMB billing through Alipay, endpoints that respond fast from domestic servers, and a provider that won't disappear next month. The alternatives below all hit those points.

302.AI

One of the older Chinese LLM gateways. It aggregates GPT, Claude, Gemini, and domestic models like Qwen and DeepSeek behind a single OpenAI-compatible endpoint. Billing is in RMB, Alipay works, and they've been around long enough to have a track record. Pricing sits around 1.3x OpenAI direct, which is normal for the convenience layer.

The model catalog is broader than most competitors, including open-weight models you can self-host but don't want to. Good if your app needs to mix providers.

DMXAPI

Smaller but focused. DMXAPI leans toward GPT and Claude coverage with simpler pricing — flat markup, no complex tiers. Alipay billing works. Latency from Shanghai and Beijing nodes is good. The model list is shorter than 302.AI, but if you only use the mainstream models, that's not a downside.

bigmodel.org

A lighter gateway aimed at developers who want a clean OpenAI-compatible interface without the enterprise dashboard overhead. Pay per token, Alipay supported, domestic nodes. The catalog covers the major models and adds Chinese-specific ones you won't find on OpenRouter. Good for side projects and prototypes where you don't want a sales call.

How to choose

If you need the widest model selection, start with 302.AI. If you want simple flat pricing and only use GPT/Claude, DMXAPI is fine. If you're prototyping and want the smallest onboarding friction, bigmodel.org works. All three are cheaper than running your own overseas setup once you factor in card fees and maintenance.

The warning everyone repeats

Whatever gateway you pick, check how long they've been operating. The LLM reseller space has had providers disappear overnight, taking API balances with them. Don't prepay a large balance. Top up what you'll use this month. Treat the gateway as a convenience layer, not a bank.